By Chisomo Phiri
Malawians have trashed the decision by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Central Region, Alfred Gangata, to hold demonstrations in the capital, Lilongwe, this coming Friday, against the state security agencies’ mishandling of political violence in the country.
According to Malawians who are reacting to Gangata’s decision on various social media platforms, continuing to hold demonstrations is not a solution to the challenges the opposition and concerned stakeholders are facing ahead of the September 16 polls.
The citizens have however,urged Gangata to reverse his decision and find another approach to deliver his frustrations to the relevant stakeholders.
Joseph Phiri comments:”Mukufuna kusokoneza chabe zisankho poti mukusowa presidential candidate nanga si mdala uja watha.”
Roderick Mwale writes:”Opposition yabalalika iyi ndipo ilibe masomphenya sitingavotere chipani chomwe chinaononga Malawi uno ayi.”
“DPP ikuganiza kuti demonstration ndi njira yokhayo yopezera vote. They are so obsessed with demonstrations in the country at present time instead of kupereka mfundo….Opposition yathu koma njopweteketsa,” says Vitu Lungu.
Matekwe Jnr writes:”Although they say they are defending democracy, their actions contradict this because they are stirring emotions to gain popularity rather than respecting democratic institutions and offering credible alternatives.True democracy is built through policy ideas, engagement in Parliament, and peaceful civic education not through politically motivated protests that can turn disruptive.”
“Aaaah asiyeni anthu Apange business abale. Mademo anthu amatseka mabusiness awo. 16 September ndipompano ingopangani campaign yamphamvu kuti mugwetse Boma lilipoli.Tiuzeni mfundo kuti tikakuvotereni otherwise kumanga Sanja nkumangokamba za omenyera ufulu aaaah,” writes Nancy Mkwezalamba.
Comments Abel Nhlane:”Koma opposition yakeee. They have run out of clues now they think of taking to the streets. Kwe bozaa.”
“Mukatelo muzidzaliraso kuti ku strong hold kwanu anthu sanavote mukuwaletsa nokha mkumapanga mademo….kulibe nthawi yoonjezera tsiku lovota…. opposition youma Mitu. Ife sitingalore kuti mutionongere Lilongwe mene akuwaliramu,” says Aaron Kalonga.
On Thursday last week, panga-wielding assailants violently disrupted demonstrations organised by Citizens for Credible Elections(CfCE ), aimed at pressuring Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi to resign.
In the process , one of the protest leaders Sylvester Namiwa was attacked .
He sustained deep lacerations at his back and head, as well as a severely swollen hand.
This happened in full view of police and Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
